It is estimated that globally, over $1.5 trillion in bribes changes hands yearly. Besides the negative economic impact, bribery also impacts society as it undermines trust, leads to unfairness, creates inequality, and stifles motivation. ISO joined the global fight against bribery by developing ISO 37001, an international standard that sets out the requirements for an anti-bribery management system (ABMS).

What is ISO 37001?

Published in 2016 as a Type A management system standard (MSS), ISO 37001 specifies the requirements and guides the establishment, implementation, monitoring, maintenance, and continual improvement of an ABMS. 

An ABMS based on ISO 37001 is intended to help organizations effectively prevent, detect, and respond to bribery. Other forms of corruption, such as fraud, are not covered by the standard. The standard’s requirements are generic and applicable to all organizations, regardless of their type, size, and sector (public, private, or not-for-profit). Furthermore, ISO 37001 can tackle bribery by or of the organization and direct and indirect bribery.

ISO 37001 benefits organizations

Implementing an ABMS based on ISO 37001 can be an excellent strategic decision demonstrating an organization’s commitment to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to bribery. Organizations seeking an effective ABMS must demonstrate their commitment to preventing bribery by establishing policies, procedures, and controls to reduce bribery risks. Nevertheless, the requirements of ISO 37001 are generic; therefore, organizations will have plenty of freedom to establish an ABMS which best suits their needs. 

Some of the benefits that organizations would obtain by implementing an ABMS based on ISO 37001 include:

• Improved ability to detect, prevent, and respond to bribery by or of the organization
• Opportunity to certify the ABMS by undergoing a conformity assessment from an accredited conformity assessment body
• Establishment of processes that allow proper due diligence of prospective personnel and business associates
• Opportunity to contribute to the global fight against bribery
• Opportunity to shape, improve, or transform the culture of an organization
• Improved ability to respond, mitigate, and deal with the consequences if a bribery case occurs
• In certain jurisdictions, the existence of an internal mechanism to address bribery issues can reduce penalties in cases of wrongdoing

Why should you attend one of our ISO 37001 training courses?

As a global training, examination, and certification service provider, we will help you become a successful anti-bribery consultant, auditor, or implementation/auditing team member. 

• ISO 37001 Introduction training course is appropriate for professionals who want to obtain a brief and overall understanding of ISO 37001 requirements for an ABMS
• ISO 37001 Foundation training course is appropriate for entry-level professionals who want to acquire a clause-by-clause overview of ISO 37001 requirements for an ABMS.
• ISO 37001 Lead Implementer is a five-day training course that will enable you to acquire the necessary competencies to implement, operate, maintain, and continually improve an ABMS based on ISO 37001. 
• ISO 37001 Lead Auditor is a five-day training course that allows you to obtain the necessary capabilities to audit an ABMS against the criteria established by ISO 37001, based on the good practices and guidelines and requirements for auditing management systems outlined by ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1.

Why choose PECB?

Internationally recognized, PECB certifications represent peer recognition and demonstrate your professional capabilities. IAS accredits PECB ISO 37001 Lead Auditor and PECB ISO 37001 Lead Implementer certificates. The IAS Accreditation Mark provides additional value to the certificate and allows you to capitalize on IAS’s worldwide recognition.

You can find other resources on anti-bribery and ISO 37001 by PECB below:

• PECB Anti-Bribery Conference 2021
• Anti-Bribery Management Systems based on ISO 37001 — Why and How? — PECB Insights
• Best Anti-Bribery and Compliance Books to Read in 2021 — PECB Insights
• Creating a Culture of Compliance: How to Build a Robust Anti-Bribery Compliance Program — PECB Insights
• The ISO 37001 and Anti-Bribery PECB Insights Conference 2017

How do I get started with ISO 37001 Training?

PECB is excited to welcome you to our global network. We will assist you throughout the process to offer you a worthwhile experience.